13 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
13 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Earned Links or Built Links?

by Justin Says
11 replies
  • SEO
    • |
I have a quick scenario for you.

I'm a web developer, I have built hundreds of websites for clients, of which I/we put a lot of effort into.

Would you consider adding a link to the footer of their website linking back to our own, an earned link?

Here are a few other examples: Vbulletin links to their site in the footer. Many analytics tracking tools link back to their site. And so forth.

My opinion: I feel that this is an earned link, because prior to actually adding the link, we ask each client if they are comfortable with it.

Thanks for your opinions on this!
#built #earned #links
  • Profile picture of the author Make Money Ninja
    I dont think it matters if it is earned or not. Google cant tell if you purchased the link or a client allowed you the link on their website. All that matters is how the computer algorithm responds to your links.

    If i was getting a ton of footer links, i would make them very generic links. Ideally it would be something like "Website designed by YourDomain.com" or something similar with the "yourdomain.com" being the anchor text.

    Getting to many keyword footer links is just asking for trouble IMO.
    Signature

    The Ultimate Guide To Link Building
    Get More Links - Generate More Traffic - Make More Money!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7202806].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author IMdude123
    lots of web developers to it, you won't get penalized for it, because its not contextual it won't be worth much but its better than nothing
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7202825].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author PerformanceMan
    IMHO the link should be 'your brand' and not 'your desired keyword.'

    This is not based on an ethical discussion, but for your own safety. As you're probably aware, footer links are one of the most abused links of all. If they contain 'exact anchor matches' it might look like they're 'paid links' and get you penalized.
    Signature
    Free Special Report on Mindset - Level Up with Positive Thinking
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7202844].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Nelapsi
    Sure put the link.. but put it as NoFollow. This way no matter what twisted update google puts out about site wide links and such, you will be covered plus if you did it.. you still get credit
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7202858].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author John Romaine
      Originally Posted by Nelapsi View Post

      Sure put the link.. but put it as NoFollow. This way no matter what twisted update google puts out about site wide links and such, you will be covered plus if you did it.. you still get credit
      Do this. This is the right answer.
      Signature

      BS free SEO services, training and advice - SEO Point

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7204637].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author dmadnani
    Ideally you want to make that a generic link. Something like your company name.

    Secondly, making it no follow is also a smart idea.

    Otherwise you might end up with a plethora of links from non-relevant sites with 1 anchor text.
    Signature
    Check out my latest blog post...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7202940].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MaxNiche
    Both the links are acceptable.You don't want to lose a link that's going to stay their for life.
    Signature
    (Upgraded Version 2.0 12-12-2012) AUTHORITY MEGA NICHE SITES- GUARANTEED $500+ MONTHLY INCOME
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7202988].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Justin Lewis View Post

    I have a quick scenario for you.

    I'm a web developer, I have built hundreds of websites for clients, of which I/we put a lot of effort into.

    Would you consider adding a link to the footer of their website linking back to our own, an earned link?

    Here are a few other examples: Vbulletin links to their site in the footer. Many analytics tracking tools link back to their site. And so forth.

    My opinion: I feel that this is an earned link, because prior to actually adding the link, we ask each client if they are comfortable with it.

    Thanks for your opinions on this!

    IMO, if it's a paying client (I'm sure it is), you should get their permission to add the footer link.

    For SEO, add the link on only the Index page, that's usually the most active page on most sites.

    Something else, when web designers add their link to client footers, that's one of the easiest footprints to track all/most of the competitions sites (I keep track of one of my own comp. this way).
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7204771].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Justin Says
      Originally Posted by yukon View Post

      IMO, if it's a paying client (I'm sure it is), you should get their permission to add the footer link.

      For SEO, add the link on only the Index page, that's usually the most active page on most sites.

      Something else, when web designers add their link to client footers, that's one of the easiest footprints to track all/most of the competitions sites (I keep track of one of my own comp. this way).
      Great advice yukon.

      I'll definitely take this into consideration.

      I'm going to start switching things up quite a bit.
      Signature

      My name is Justin Lewis. My digital marketing company has been in business for over 10 years with multiple six-figure years. We do provide a premium web design service.

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7214407].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author mamadou
    It's better than nothing anyway if it's a bare domain link. If it's a contextual link then you must try to diverse your links and don't just depend on these footer links to avoid any algorithm alarms.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7204821].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author olelar
    Getting a lot of links from unrelated pages is not too good. I think it would be OK if you use your company name in the link though, and not a "keyword" link. Try using "Designed by [your company name]"
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7207103].message }}

Trending Topics